Keeping Pets & People Safe During the 4th of July Holidays
More Pets Are Lost on the 4th of July than Any Other Day of The Year
The Fourth of July is a time of celebration for many Americans, but it can also be a dangerous time for pets.
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), there are approximately 7.6 million companion animals that enter animal shelters each year, with more pets going missing around the Fourth of July than any other day of the year.
Animal control officials across the country report a 30% increase in lost pets each year between July 4th and 6th. July 5th is one of the busiest days of the year for shelters.
The explosive bangs and concussions of fireworks cause pets to become frightened, panic, and run away. Animals at large risk getting lost, attacked by other animals, or hit by a car.
Traveling with pets can also be dangerous, as they might become agitated or anxious due to unfamiliar surroundings and people. And holiday foods that are unhealthy for pets, like those that contain alcohol, fats, or bones, might be left within their reach.
Fireworks are 100% Illegal to Use in Portland
Fireworks are completely banned in the City of Portland year-round, including all consumer fireworks such as sparklers, fountains, and ground spinners, as of 2026. This includes aerial luminary devices and pyrotechnics within the City of Portland. There’s also the serious risk of fire and property damage.
To protect your pets on the Fourth of July, it is important to take the following precautions:
ID and Microchip Preparation
Make sure your pets – cats and dogs alike – have identification tags on their harness or collar with current contact information. If you have horses, you might consider marking a safety (breakaway) halter with your contact information and leaving it on your horse during this stressful holiday.
If your pets aren’t already microchipped, talk with your veterinarian about microchipping. This simple procedure can significantly improve your chances of getting your pets back if they become lost.
If your pets are microchipped, make sure your contact information in the microchip registry is up-to-date.
Take a current photo of all of your cats, dogs, horses or any other pet that might escape your property.
Managing Pet Anxiety
If your pet has always been anxious on this holiday, or if you have reason to expect potentially dangerous reactions, consider behavioral therapy to desensitize your pet and reduce the risk of problems. Some pets may need medication to relax. Consult your veterinarian or a veterinary behaviorist.
Secure Environment Checks
Make sure the environment is safe and secure. If your neighbors set off fireworks at an unexpected time, is your yard secure enough to keep your pet contained? Are pasture fences secure enough to keep horses or other livestock confined?
Evaluate your options, and choose the safest area for your animals. Make improvements if needed to make the area more secure.
Safety During July 4th Celebrations:
Fireworks and Noise-Related Stress
- Leave your pets at home when you go to parties, fireworks displays, parades and other gatherings. Loud fireworks, unfamiliar places and crowds can all be very frightening to pets, and there’s great risk of pets becoming spooked and running away.
- Consider putting your pets in a safe, escape-proof room or crate during parties and fireworks.
- Keep horses and livestock in safely fenced areas and as far from the excitement and noise as possible.
- Keep your pets inside if you or your neighbors are setting off fireworks.
Preventing Escapes
- If you’re hosting guests, ask them to help keep an eye on your pets to make sure they don’t escape. Placing notes on exit doors and gates can help both you and your guests remain vigilant.
Heat and Weather Safety
- Remember that too much sun and heat (and humidity!) can be dangerous to pets.
- Keep them inside when it’s extremely hot/humid and make sure they have access to shady spots and plenty of water when outdoors
- Don’t leave them outside for extended periods in hot weather; and know the signs that a pet may be overheating.
- Never leave your pet in your car when it’s warm outside. Vehicle interiors heat up much faster than the air around them, and even a short time in a locked car can be dangerous to pets.
BBQ and Party Hazards
- Keep sparklers, glow sticks, fireworks, charcoal and kabob skewers away from curious pets.
- Don’t let pets get near your barbecue grill while it is in use or still hot.
- Avoid the urge to feed your pets table scraps or other foods intended for people. Be especially careful to keep them away from these common foods that are actually toxic.
Travel and Boarding Considerations
- If you’re traveling out of town for the holiday, consider leaving your pets at home with a pet sitter or boarding them in a kennel. If you need to bring them with you, be sure you know how to keep them safe.
Food Safety for Humans
- Follow safe food handling and hygiene practices to protect your family and guests.
After the celebrations:
- Check your yard for fireworks debris before allowing pets outside to play or relax. Even if you didn’t set off fireworks yourself, debris can make its way into your yard, where curious animals may pick it up to play with or eat.
- Check your pastures and remove debris to protect horses and livestock.
- If you hosted guests, check both your yard and home for food scraps or other debris that might be dangerous to pets, such as food skewers.
Remember the Humans, Too
While much of the Fourth of July pet safety conversation focuses on animals, it is worth remembering that fireworks can be extremely difficult for many people as well.
Veterans living with PTSD, survivors of gun violence and other traumatic events, autistic people, individuals with sensory processing differences, people with anxiety disorders, young children, and many older adults may experience significant distress from the sudden booms, flashes, vibrations, and unpredictability of neighborhood fireworks.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs notes that fireworks can trigger anxiety, flashbacks, sleep disruption, and other trauma related symptoms, particularly when they occur unexpectedly or continue late into the night.
For many autistic people, fireworks can create intense sensory overload. The combination of explosive sounds, bright flashing lights, crowds, strong smells, and disrupted routines can quickly become overwhelming.
Mental health and autism advocates increasingly encourage communities to consider quieter, more predictable celebrations that are accessible to everyone.
Celebrating responsibly does not mean giving up the holiday.
Just remember that a good neighbor thinks beyond their own backyard. Giving advance notice before hosting loud backyard gatherings, ending celebrations at a reasonable hour, and respecting local restrictions can help create a safer, more comfortable environment for pets and people alike.
Everyone deserves the chance to enjoy the holiday without fear, panic, or sensory distress.
Resources
Fireworks are completely banned in the City of Portland year-round, including all consumer fireworks such as sparklers, fountains, and ground spinners, as of 2026. It is unlawful to sell, keep or offer for sale, expose for sale, possess, use, explode or have exploded any fireworks, aerial luminary devices or pyrotechnics within the City of Portland. No exceptions!
Penalties: Violations can result in fines up to $2,500 per violation, confiscation of fireworks, and potential criminal charges.
How to Report Illegal Fireworks
Report Violations: Do not call 911. Report illegal fireworks usage online via the Portland Fire & Rescue reporting tool or by calling the non-emergency line at 503-823-3333.
Legal Alternatives: Enjoy professional, permitted fireworks displays, such as the Waterfront Blues Festival or events at Oaks Amusement Park.